On the first work day of the regular season, running back Trent Richardson suited up for his first practice since having surgery on his left knee on Aug. 9.

In the 15 minutes open to the media, Richardson looked smooth and easy in all the drills. He wore a rubber sleeve on his left leg but did not have any limp in his gait.

Coach Pat Shurmur said that Richardson would start if he's ready to play.

Richardson shared first-team reps in team drills with Brandon Jackson and Montario Hardesty. Jackson said he had no idea which back would replace Richardson if needed.

Richardson was not made available to media after practice.

The No. 1 draft pick's long-awaited return wasn’t the only good news for the Browns.

Cornerback Dimitri Patterson returned for his first practice since suffering double injuries in the first preseason game in Detroit on Aug. 10. Patterson said that he hurt his knee and ankle when teammate Ray Ventrone rolled up on his leg in that game. Patterson was in good spirits after his first practice, saying "no doubt" he would be ready to go for the Eagles.

"You can always tell after the first practice," he said. "I felt real good."

Ventrone also returned to practice after missing a few weeks with a right hamstring injury.